Bliss English Club

Bliss Recap of “From a mystery group OA (order of the arrow), look back on Taiwan’s outdoor education” by Karl on Oct. 13, 2018

Date: Oct. 13, 2018

Host: Karl

Topic: “From a mystery group OA (order of the arrow); look back on Taiwan’s outdoor education”

Participants: Sandy, Ellen, Karl, Mike, Annie, Carmelo, Winnie,Aaron

Meeting photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wcBibnwbmGXA5UNu8

Meeting started

Fleeting as an “arrow” right from Mt. Ali back to Bliss Taipei, our “good new man”, Karl, hosted the meeting as enthusiastically and systematically as scheduled.

Introduction of OA: The Order of Arrow

It is a Scouting’s National Honor Society, built for 95 years, who has recognized scouts and scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Through the continuous training process from the Ordeal Membership, Brotherhood Membership, Vigil Honor and so on, OA provides OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults, all of which are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support and help to extend Scouting to American’s youth. (Google and Karl’s video clip)

The Cradle of “Elite” Generation Cultivation

Karl convinced us OA step-by-step training is the best way to build “Elite” Generation for today’s strong America! At the same time, he highly recommends the ways that OA promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship!

The wilderness Boy Scout camping in Mt. Ali

Karl, the experienced Scout leader, has led his Boy Scout troop several times in the wilderness under the guidance of “aborigines” who have learned the wisdom of living n the mountains of Taiwan harmoniously for more than 10,000 years.

Practice of LNT (Leave No Trace）Golden Rules in the Wilderness

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly                                           4.Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Use and Impact from Fires

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Bush craft

Karl continued to introduce us Bush craft, which is a popular term for wilderness survival skills, also for building shelters from start to finish with surrounding materials by wisdom and teamwork.

Kids’ reflections after Karl’s Scout Camping in the wilderness

They were so connected with the nature, simulating “hunters” and learning how to survive in the forest! They cried for their surviving achievements after the activity!

Group Game: Making a “Single Knot” by 3 people

In the game, we learned “Making a single Knot” without releasing hands is easy for one alone, but really hard for 3 people, which are the true examples how delicate the teamwork is!  

Attendees’ Feedbacks:

1.      It was inspiring of how Karl addressed in the generational subject via Boy Scout spirit, Order of the Arrow that I have immersed into the overall scenario.  Group discussions and input aroused further interests about how forward thinking we should have or should incorporate programs in to youth educational system. Thus, given the solid values of honesty, integrity and honor for strong foundation, youngsters are to be cultivated for being independent, problem solver, and supportive.  Beyond that, training and doing from younger age will have facilitated children to take ownership possessing the will to survive, power to conquer obstacles, and strong attempt to reach goals. All results in simple word, Concentration. There would be a lot more to explore in the future. For that being said, it would be to encourage more members to attend next time.

2.      In the meantime, I do agree with Karl that only of we care about the people ,the land and the environment deep enough, and through the continuous and persistent process of caring ,research and taking actions, we will make a better Taiwan, our mother country!

Host’s feedback

This is a topic that is interesting to me but difficult to control well. The sustainable development of the environment is closely related to our next generation. The plan for environmental education can't be hesitated. The United States started doing it 100 years ago, why not Taiwan now? Hopefully, the meeting will arouse more Blissers to discuss further in the near future!

Reflections:

We are touched by the eagerness of host Karl to make Taiwan better via revealing “Elite” cultivation of OA. Besides, we got the inspiration from Group Game and from the participants’ feedbacks, all of which made the afternoon fruitful ever! Stay Tune!